"Helper" tool for PEX "3-wing" fittings.

[rpasetto]

Having trouble accessing and turning the "3-wing" PEX fittings? (pictures below for example).

       

I found it difficult to turn the winged fittings with my aged arthritic fingers, especially where clearances are tight, like at the Manabloc.  Re-purposed some old drawer-glide rails.  Hope this is helpful.  Caution: Easier to get to the wings with the handle, but it's not hard to over-torque the fitting.

  

[Steve P]

Innovation at its finest!  I just filed for the patent...  KIDDING!  But maybe you should.

[Tom Cherry]

I would be cautious.  I had a dear friend who owned plumbing and electrical contracting company.  He cautioned me on many things.  One was NEVER put a “pair or adjust pliers”….on the winged fittings.  My company made these pliers…so I was never allowed to use the common “brand name”.  If you clamp down on the fitting with a pair of “Channel Locks”, odds are, one of the wings will shear off.  Same for drain fittings.  He said his new guys often broke them…

YES…I fully understand the issues of grip and finger strength and aging.  But, i might invest in a Pex Crimping tool and replace them with a HEX nut fitting and use a open end wrench.  I THIINK that I accidentally “broke” one of the ears or wings off.  That was with my fingers…feeling froggy. The fix will be, if I can’t get it off or need to tighten…..snap or grind (Dremel tool) the other TWO and use a small strap wrench….and then replace.  Mine are on the water filter bypass line and the  two fittings are still OEM with 3 wings.

Better to fix now, with a non winged fitting than need to “tighten/loosen” and break one off and be dead in the water…. LOL…

[rpasetto]

Tom,  The "fingers" of the device fit where fingers do not, the Manabloc being one example.    That's why I posted the caution about torquing too much.